Doctors: CDC offers timely Ebola updates

Concerns continue over infection control protocols after health agencies announced the largest Ebola outbreak in history is expected to worsen and additional U.S. cases are possible.

Doctors should frequently search and reference the CDC website for important updates and health care messages.

The World Health Organization announced Tuesday that upwards of 10,000 new cases per week could grip West Africa by December, this message coming only days after news broke of the first U.S. transmission of the virus to a Texas hospital worker.

This last case has caused health care workers to seek more information on how to further mitigate risks of contracting the disease that spreads through contact with bodily fluids of an infected person.

While officials contend that a widespread Ebola outbreak across the United States is unlikely, greater awareness about the current Ebola situation and preparedness for all doctors is stressed. Likewise, the AOA encourages doctors to be informed from the most authoritative source on recent protocols and information.

Up-to-date information and resources available The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and other agencies, has compiled critical online resources and databases for all health care professionals to review with the most recent information available on the Ebola situation.

Beth Kneib, O.D., AOA Clinical Resources Group director, recommends that clinicians frequently search and reference the CDC website for important updates and health care messages. Below are several CDC sites with specific material regarding controlling the spread of infectious disease:

Click here to find information about sterilization of vision care instruments, hand washing and other topics for general patient safety.

Click here for Ebola information relevant to clinicians working in U.S. health care settings, including guidance and recommendations, general disease information and protection protocols.

Click here to find the latest updates from the CDC regarding the Ebola outbreak and other important infection control messages.

The CDC suggests that practitioners be wary of patients presenting with common Ebola symptoms, in conjunction with a recent travel history to West Africa within 21 days of symptom onset.

Additional resources also can be found at the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response website by clicking here.